World Cup 2018: A team-by-team guide to help USA fans decide which team to root for in Russia

The World Cup is just a day away, and you want to make sure you’re a part of all the fun. But your country, the United States, choked away their spot in the world cup in the final day of qualification back in October, and now you’re left trying to figure out a reason to watch.

Fear not! I’m here to help. There are 32 national teams to choose from if you’re looking to pick a new soccer team to cheer for – at least for a few weeks.

But how do you decide which team to support? Are you looking for a team that is a contender for the trophy, or a lovable underdog that could make a surprise appearance in the Round of 16? Are you looking for a team with many years of World Cup frustration, or a newcomer to the tournament?

Here’s a breakdown of why you could or should support every team in this year’s World Cup. And when it’s over, you can daydream about 2022, when you’ll hopefully be able to watch Christian Pulisic lead a new age of U.S. soccer in Qatar.

Tier 5: The long shots

Saudi Arabia

(AP Photo / Steve Holland)

Saudi Arabia

Group: A

Saudi Arabia are the weakest team in the weakest group of the World Cup. Saudi Arabia’s entire roster is essentially from four or five teams in its domestic league. No one plays outside its country, save for Mohamed Al-Sahlawi’s three-week training stint with Manchester United in April. But this team is unified and ready to fight for points in the weakest group of the World Cup.

Why you should root for them: There may be no greater underdog in this tournament than Saudi Arabia.

Player to watch: Fahad Al-Muwallad, FW - At 23 years old, Al-Muwallad is hardly the most experienced player on Saudi Arabia, but he is the most creative. If Saudi Arabia is going to score goals, Al-Muwallad is likely going to be at the center of things. He has 10 goals in 44 career caps.

Morocco

(AP Photo / Abdeljalil Bounhar)

Morocco

Group: B

Morocco will play solid defense, control the midfield and have some creativity on the attack. Hakim Ziyech is a skilled creator as an attacking midfielder, while Mehdi Benatia is the team’s top center back and is a world-class player. Look for Morocco to be a legitimately fun team to watch.

Why you should root for them: They’re called the Atlas Lions, which is a fantastic name for just about anything. How there isn’t a celebrity baby named Atlas Lion already is beyond me.

Player to watch: Amine Harit, MID - Harit has been used on the outside at times at his German club Schalke 04, but he’s found his most success as an attacking midfielder. One thing is for sure – he can put on a show with his dribbling moves. He might start the tournament on the bench, with Hakim Ziyech serving as the team’s most explosive offensive talent. But man, Harit is fun to watch.

Iran

(AP Photo)

Iran

Group: B

Iran is a pretty good attacking team, and qualified with ease in their group – seven points ahead of second-place South Korea. They’re better than you think, and play a terrific defensive game – only allowing two goals throughout 10 qualifying matches. Amid U.S. sanctions, Nike will no longer supply Iran with equipment for the World Cup.

Why you should root for them: In a group that features two superpowers in Spain and Portugal, seeing Iran win would be wild.

Player to watch: Sardar Azmoun, FW - Azmoun plays his club soccer in Russia at Rubin Kazan, and has been dubbed “Iranian Messi” by his fans. Obviously he’s not that good, but he’s prepared to have a real breakout tournament as Iran’s top striker. At only 23, he is ready to become a household name.